One of the best parts about living in Central New York is the many outdoor amenities we have right at our fingertips. From the uncomplicated footpaths at Baldwinsville’s Beaver Lake Nature Center to the challenging hikes that Homer’s Spafford Forest offers, Onondaga County alone presents an array of scenic venues for all ages and fitness levels. Every year since 1993, American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day has been celebrated on the first Saturday in June — this year it’s on June 7. People across the country are encouraged to get outside, appreciate the outdoors, jog, walk, inline skate, take their bikes out or go horseback riding; the main purpose being to break away from the busy-ness of life to enjoy simpler and often much-needed moments in calm, relaxing environments. It’s good for mind, body and soul. The significance of trails has a history that dates as far back as 1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the National Trails System Act, establishing national recreation, scenic and historic trails. In 1985, President Ronald Reagan ordered a bipartisan commission, later named the President’s Commission on Americans Outdoors, to conduct a thorough review of America’s outdoor recreation resources. In 1987, the report recommended that Americans should be able to walk out their front doors and within 15 minutes, be on trails that take them through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing any steps (usparks.about.com/od/trailspathsdayhikes/a/national_trails_day). The village of Baldwinsville has for years been committed to doing just that. Take time this weekend to explore the many trails your local village government has worked hard to create for your benefit. The following is a list of trails taken from the village website, Baldwinsville.org. For more information, contact the village clerk’s office at 635-3521. Community Park is located off Route 48 south of the village. This is a large wooded park with not only nature trails, but also restrooms, softball fields, large picnic areas and a boat launch on the Seneca River. South Shore West Trail offers a quiet river and canal side area for a walk or pleasant respite. The trail also offers boat dockage, benches, picnic tables and an outstanding view of the canal and river. South Shore East Trail — The village is in the process of developing a pedestrian/biking trail from Water Street along the Seneca River into Community Park. The entire length of the trail is open to the public. However, the trail is still under construction and there may be times when portions are closed as work progresses. The Yevich Trail — This lighted trail has benches and runs along the river front from Denio Street to Lock Street. Volunteer Park — Located at the end of Marble Street, this park offers a walking trail all the way out to the end of this narrow island that separates the Seneca River and Erie Canalway in the center of the village. Additionally, Beaver Lake Nature Center will be celebrating National Trails Day with two events. Visitors are welcome to join a 9 a.m. guided walk on the Three Meadows trail or a 2 p.m. talk about butterflies. Guests will also receive free trail bookmarks and can participate in a scavenger hunt.